What size,and brand of needles should I buy for doing hand applique and weight of thread. I just learned how to do it.

Mikki

Hi Mikki! You'll want a nice long thin needle for needle-turn applique. They're sometimes labeled as "straw needles" or milliner's. The extra length is handy because you can use it to turn the fabric ahead of your stitches and finger press as you go. If you can, buy a good quality needle--it's worth the extra cost. As far as size, it's a comfort thing. The smaller the size #, the longer the needle.

Thin silk thread in the same color as your applique will make your stitches just about disappear...but silk can be slippery to work with and the color range and expense can be a problem. If you're working with cotton, try to get the thinnest cotton thread you can. My favorite is a 60 weight thread. Match your applique color as best you can; if you can't, go a bit darker.

Hope this helps! I love hand applique and hope you will as well :D

I needed this info just this morning and it was right here. Thank you for posting this back in July. I used the search to find it, but I knew it would be you that knew what I needed.

finding the right needle for a project can be a pain. we ought to insist on test driving them like we do sewing machines. :lol:

a commentary on needles and sizes: http://planetpatchwork.com/needles.htm

these sites sell them and give descriptions of some different sizes and brands.

http://www.trinityquilts.com/item.php?item_id=2200&category_id=617

http://jeanakimballquilter.com/store/strawneedles.html

http://www.quiltersfancy.com/catalog/catalog_needles.htm

I really like the Piecemakers needles for hand applique (even though they are some of the least expensive on the market!) I don't care for the long needles, even after taking a workshop with the Piece of Cake ladies where they demonstrated them.

Having originally tried bigger ones, I'm finding I like the smaller needles for quilting and appliqué. Listen to Leslee, she has lots of experience. Then too she has itty-bitty hands. :D

So what do you use Patrice? Leslee gave me some that glide through the fabric though I've forgotten the name already (I must rectify that since I like them sew much).

Bad, bad Steve!